Summer Vacation Planning: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking Your Trip
Summer is here and you know what that means… it's vacation time! The best time of the year! But what sort of vacay will it be? Lying on white sand beaches, listening to gentle waves? Exploring ancient ruins and learning about different cultures? Or wandering through a buzzing city full of charming little shops and delicious snacks?
It's a big, beautiful world out there and with so much to see, it's hard to know where to start when it comes to planning the perfect summer getaway. With so many options, it's easy to get lost in indecision, spending hours scouring the internet trying to figure out where to go… and then end up going to the same old places you always go – or worse yet, doing nothing at all! Don't worry, we are here to help.
When it's time to plan your summer vacation, ask yourself these questions to help you narrow down those infinite choices.
What type of trip do you want to take? Are you taking time away with your girlfriends, sisters, or mom, perhaps? Maybe you and your love need a romantic getaway? Or do you want to embark on an Alaskan cruise to experience your own epic adventure? Deciding what kind of trip you want is the first step in narrowing down your choices and finding the perfect spot for the vibe you want. After all, you wouldn't try to have a quiet, romantic dinner at Chuck E. Cheese, right? Use the same common sense when picking appropriate travel destinations.
What is your budget? Knowing your budget can help you narrow down your destination choices and determine what activities you can afford. Consider all the expenses associated with your vacation, including transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs, and make a realistic projection.
What's your travel style? Do you like to take it slow and relax or do you prefer a fast-paced itinerary filled with activities and adventures? If you enjoy a more relaxed pace, choose a destination that offers opportunities for relaxation, such as a spa retreat or a beach vacation. But, if heart-pounding adventure is more your style, choose a destination with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and adventure sports.
How much time do you have? Do you have a weekend free or are you planning a 2-week bucket-list vacation? There's a big difference here – if you've got a couple of weeks to plan, then head off to somewhere on the other side of the globe. But if you've only got a long weekend, skip the trip to Bora Bora until you can spend enough time there to get over the jetlag and make the most of your visit.
What do you want to experience? Are you craving solitude and sandy beaches, some quiet time with a book, and no plans? Or do you long for adventure, something to get your heart racing? Maybe you like to mix a bit of education and culture into your relaxation time. When you know exactly what you'd like to do with your time away, it's easier to narrow down your destination choices and plan accordingly.
The answers to these questions will help point you in the right direction when planning any trip. Of course, you could always make it even easier and work with a travel advisor, but if you insist on going it alone, these questions will make planning your perfect summer vacation a much smoother, simpler process. After all, vacation time is meant to be relaxing, right?
